They toted official MLB-licensed playoff hats and held a champagne toast. Their official account retweeted the historic news. Veteran Justin Turner reflected on his legacy. The team held a photoshoot after playing dress-up, donning “Wolf of Wall Street,” “Magic Mike,” and “Top Gun” inspired costumes.
On Sunday, the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated yet another postseason berth, extending a dynastic run atop the National League. The only problem? They hadn’t yet officially punched their ticket.
MLB announced that a clerical error involving tiebreakers that determine Los Angeles’ clinching scenarios meant that the Dodgers popped bottles at least a day too early.
Los Angeles can clinch a playoff spot on Monday with a win against the Arizona Diamondbacks or a Milwaukee Brewers loss, per The Athletic.
The Dodgers, at an MLB-best 96-43, are enjoying the encore season that escaped the Giants. Los Angeles has by far the best run differential (+310) in the sport and is on pace to win 112 games — six more than 2021.
Given it’s only Sept. 12, the Dodgers are going to clinch their 10th straight postseason berth and they will coast to their ninth National League West title in the past 10 seasons. But they haven’t gotten there quite yet.
The Giants and Dodgers meet in Oracle Park this weekend for a three-game series — their final meeting of the year. The Dodgers won eight of nine meetings at Dodger Stadium in 2022, the most dominant showing in Chavez Ravine versus San Francisco since 1979.